Chevrolet Impala 2006–2013 problems by year and mileage
9th generation (W-body) · GM W-body (GMX211)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20264,282 complaints, 3,416 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 200671kmedian
- 200760kmedian
- 200870kmedian
- 200975kmedian
- 201073kmedian
- 201160kmedian
- 201248kmedian
- 201354kmedian
The 2006 Chevrolet Impala
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 544
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2006
- Steering135 reports · median 58,000 mi
- Electrical system130 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline111 reports · median 80,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Seats
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Chevrolet Impala
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 627
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2007
- Electrical system128 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Steering101 reports · median 53,000 mi
- Suspension85 reports · median 40,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Fuel system, gasoline — storage
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 810
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2008
- Electrical system221 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Engine134 reports · median 98,000 mi
- Suspension117 reports · median 43,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Chevrolet Impala
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 824
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2009
- Airbag system232 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Electrical system224 reports · median 83,000 mi
- Engine179 reports · median 89,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — sensor · Electrical system — ignition · Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Chevrolet Impala
Close- Median failure report
- 73,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 442
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2010
- Electrical system132 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Airbag system103 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Engine88 reports · median 78,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — sensor · Electrical system — ignition · Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 505
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2011
- Electronic stability control (esc)132 reports · median 73,000 mi
- Engine125 reports · median 77,000 mi
- Electrical system95 reports · median 78,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Chevrolet Impala
Close- Median failure report
- 48,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 258
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2012
- Electrical system58 reports · median 55,000 mi
- Electronic stability control (esc)54 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Steering49 reports · median 58,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Suspension — front · Steering — hydraulic power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Chevrolet Impala
Close- Median failure report
- 54,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 272
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2013
- Electronic stability control (esc)108 reports · median 58,000 mi
- Electrical system52 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Brakes51 reports · median 60,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2009; earliest: the 2012, and the 2009 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2006–2013 Chevrolet Impala reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 67,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 137,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 3,416
- Recalls
- 8
Most reported
- Electrical system24.3% of complaints · median 80,000 mi
- Engine17.1% of complaints · median 86,000 mi
- Electronic stability control (esc)13.1% of complaints · median 78,000 mi
Owners filed 4,282 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006–2013 Chevrolet Impala; the electrical system leads with 24.3% of them, and half of the 3,416 that record an odometer reading came by 67,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 39,000 to 100,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2006–2013 Chevrolet Impala last?
On the 2006–2013 Chevrolet Impala, half of the 3,416 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 67,000 miles and 90% by 137,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
244 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 49 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Impala reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Impala 2006–2013 · 3,416 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 178 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 49 complaints (1.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 14,000
- 25%
- 39,000
- Median
- 67,000
- 75%
- 100,000
- 90%
- 137,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 178 | 5.2% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 84 | 2.5% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 83 | 2.4% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 75 | 2.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 95 | 2.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 93 | 2.7% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 125 | 3.7% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 149 | 4.4% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 166 | 4.9% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 141 | 4.1% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 161 | 4.7% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 120 | 3.5% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 157 | 4.6% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 141 | 4.1% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 149 | 4.4% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 128 | 3.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 140 | 4.1% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 117 | 3.4% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 122 | 3.6% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 101 | 3.0% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 130 | 3.8% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 68 | 2.0% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 84 | 2.5% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 49 | 1.4% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 74 | 2.2% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 59 | 1.7% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 68 | 2.0% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 35 | 1.0% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 49 | 1.4% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 31 | 0.9% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 42 | 1.2% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 26 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 32 | 0.9% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 14 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 18 | 0.5% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 17 | 0.5% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 17 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 5 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 49 | 1.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Impala problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Impala 2006–2013
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Steering547 reportsmedian 59,000middle half 35,000–94,000
- Transmission and driveline541 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 48,000–107,000
- Electronic stability control (esc)562 reportsmedian 78,000middle half 50,000–108,000
- Electrical system1,040 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 52,000–108,000
- Airbag system558 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 48,000–112,000
- Throttle and speed control455 reportsmedian 83,000middle half 55,000–115,000
- Engine732 reportsmedian 86,000middle half 60,000–119,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1,040 | 24.3% | 80,000 | 52,000–108,000 |
| Engine | 732 | 17.1% | 86,000 | 60,000–119,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 562 | 13.1% | 78,000 | 50,000–108,000 |
| Airbag system | 558 | 13.0% | 80,000 | 48,000–112,000 |
| Steering | 547 | 12.8% | 59,000 | 35,000–94,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 541 | 12.6% | 75,000 | 48,000–107,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 455 | 10.6% | 83,000 | 55,000–115,000 |
| Suspension | 319 | 7.4% | 49,000 | 25,000–75,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 234 | 5.5% | 79,000 | 45,000–120,000 |
| Brakes | 229 | 5.3% | 70,000 | 46,000–103,000 |
Known problems with the 2006–2013 Impala
Transmission 2006–2011
4T65-E pressure control solenoid failure producing erratic and harsh shifting and slipping; repair requires partial transmission disassembly. Slipping is the single most reported problem on 2006-2008 cars.
Engine 2006–2011
3.5L/3.9L intake manifold and coolant sealing leaks carried over from the W-body pushrod V6 family.
Suspension 2006–2013
Premature front strut and spring failure, and rear axle/spindle rod wear causing uneven tire wear.
Before you buy a 2006–2013 Impala: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,416 mileage-tagged complaints, 8 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission on 2006–2011 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2006–2011 cars.
- Check suspension on 2006–2013 cars.
- Years differ here: from 258 to 824 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Impala problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi43% below | At 90k mi67% below | At 120k mi84% below | At 150k mi93% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 52,000–108,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 60,000–119,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 50,000–108,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 48,000–112,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 35,000–94,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 48,000–107,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 55,000–115,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Impala 2006–2013 · 3,416 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 67% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 84% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2006–2013 Chevrolet Impala recalls (8)
NHTSA records 8 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (2), the electrical system (1), the suspension (1) (why one area can repeat).
Jul 2016 · 2009–2010 · Air BagsIf the wires are damaged, the passenger presence sensory system may fail to recognize that the passenger seat…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010. The front passenger seat frame may contact and damage the wires of the passenger presence sensor module.
What can happen. If the wires are damaged, the passenger presence sensory system may fail to recognize that the passenger seat is occupied, disabling the air bag. Damage may also cause the air bag fuse to short…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will double wrap the wires with anti-abrasion tape and replace damaged wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact…
Jun 2014 · 2006–2013 · Electrical SystemIf the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash…
The defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.…
What can happen. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014.…
Aug 2012 · 2008–2012 · SuspensionA broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
What can happen. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at…
Aug 2011 · 2012 · SteeringPower steering fluid could flow onto the catalytic converter, and an engine compartment fire could occur.
The defect. Gm is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured from april 19, 2011, through july 29, 2011. The upper power steering hose may have been misrouted so that it can come in close proximity to and/or contact the catalytic converter.…
What can happen. Power steering fluid could flow onto the catalytic converter, and an engine compartment fire could occur.
The free fix. Gm dealers will inspect to ensure that the upper power steering hose is routed correctly and make the necessary repairs free of charge. The safety recall began on september 5, 2011. Owners may…
Oct 2010 · 2009–2010 · Seat BeltsThe safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, which could result in injury to the…
The defect. Gm is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet impalas for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages." The front safety belt webbing may not have been properly secured to…
What can happen. The safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, which could result in injury to the occupant.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect both front safety belts for proper installation of the anchors to the pretensioners and, if necessary, reinstall the anchors. This service will be performed free of charge. The…
Oct 2008 · 2009 · Air BagsDuring a passenger-side air bag deployment, pieces of the inflator tube could strike and injure vehicle…
The defect. Gm is recalling 79 my 2009 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a passenger-side front air bag inflator that could fracture at an inflator tube during a deployment.
What can happen. During a passenger-side air bag deployment, pieces of the inflator tube could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag…
The free fix. Dealers will install a new passenger-side front air bag. The recall began on october 10, 2008. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or through their website at <a…
Oct 2006 · 2007 · Fuel System, GasolineWith this condition, fuel and/or fuel vapors could seep out between the layers, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. On certain vehicles, the fuel tank is missing the adhesive layer that bonds the barrier layer to the outer shell of the fuel tank.
What can happen. With this condition, fuel and/or fuel vapors could seep out between the layers, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the serial number on the fuel tank and replace the fuel tank if necessary. The recall began on november 13, 2006. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet at…
Jun 2006 · 2006 · SeatsIn a severe vehicle crash, the seat adjuster may separate from the mounting bracket, increasing the risk of…
The defect. Certain vehicles equipped with a manual passenger seat adjuster fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages." The left floor mounting bracket may be mislocated.
What can happen. In a severe vehicle crash, the seat adjuster may separate from the mounting bracket, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the seat adjuster and replace it if necessary free of charge. The recall on july 2, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 4,282 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 281 (6.6%)
- Fires
- 64
- Injury reports
- 195
- Fatality reports
- 4
Impala problems by model year
The 2009 drew the most complaints of this generation, 824, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2012 the fewest, 258. A typical year drew about 524.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 544 | 421 | 71,000 | Steering (135) | 2 |
| 2007 | 627 | 487 | 60,000 | Electrical system (128) | 2 |
| 2008 | 810 | 663 | 70,000 | Electrical system (221) | 2 |
| 2009 | 824 | 662 | 75,000 | Airbag system (232) | 5 |
| 2010 | 442 | 350 | 73,000 | Electrical system (132) | 4 |
| 2011 | 505 | 409 | 60,000 | Electronic stability control (esc) (132) | 2 |
| 2012 | 258 | 204 | 48,000 | Electrical system (58) | 3 |
| 2013 | 272 | 220 | 54,000 | Electronic stability control (esc) (108) | 1 |
What Impala owners reported
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The air bag warning light intermittently went on and off. The contact stated later that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the…
2010 · 22,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving and turning into a shopping center, there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence and inspected by an independent mechanic, who discovered that the spark plugs…
2007 · 105,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not…
2012 · 201,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check air bag and service air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to…
2010 · 58,000 miles · Airbag system
Built from 3,416 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Impala generations
- Impala 2000–2005 3,329 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Impala 2014–2020 850 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system